Bariatric Surgery In Mexico Is Becoming A Popular Choice

By Paulette Mason


The topic of health care continues to be a divisive subject in America. The harsh rhetoric popular with some politicians ignores the fact that high-quality weight-loss surgery in the United States is beyond the financial reach of many citizens, even those with medical insurance. Those afflicted with life-threatening weight gain often benefit greatly from these procedures, causing a growing number to select bariatric surgery in Mexico.

A weight-loss procedure is indicated when excess pounds cannot be dropped by a strict diet regimen and exercise, and becomes life-threatening. For those diagnosed as clinically obese, normal weight loss methods simply have not worked, no matter how great the motivation or reward. In a culture obsessed by physical appearance, these individuals pay the price both physically and psychologically.

Clinical obesity can cause dangerously high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, heart problems, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux. Weight loss operations are designed to radically alter the digestive system, restricting the amount of food that can comfortably be eaten and absorbed. Some are designed to restrict the size of the stomach, while more invasive methods remove parts of the digestive tract to block caloric absorption.

Many people today carry extra weight, but do not reach a body mass index of 40, which corresponds to extreme obesity. Those who do fit the parameters still may not be good candidates for surgery. Medical screening requires people to make verifiable changes in their daily habits, including eating right and exercising daily, before approval. Reaching a desired weight is a long process, and an operation does not guarantee success.

In addition to standard surgical warnings for any invasive procedure, these surgeries also carry the risk of post-operative digestive trauma. Ingested food may pass too rapidly into the lower intestine, resulting in nausea, painful cramping, and other related symptoms. In severe cases, further corrective measures may be necessary, increasing total costs. Because these and related complications are not uncommon, many insurers consistently deny coverage.

Faced with paying the entire amount personally, many people choose less expensive options in Mexico, where similar procedures cost half as much, but are still a significant amount. Those seriously considering taking this course of action must decide whether savings matter more than local care. Pre-surgical testing is a requirement, and may need to be completed prior to leaving. More than one trip may be necessary.

Patients should perform a thorough background check on the prospective surgeon, and must also decide whether to seek post-operative care at home. Follow-up medical care is especially crucial after weight-loss procedures in order to maintain reasonable nutrition and health levels during the lengthy period of weigh loss. Any installed band must meet United States standards, or will not be treated.

Patients must be absolutely sure that they will benefit from surgery abroad, and often begin their investigation by speaking with current health-care providers. Many have reported excellent results, but there are also anecdotal accounts of unanticipated and serious problems. While it may be tempting to make cost the sole determining factor, understanding the risks and hidden expenses must be part of that decision.




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